Maritime Museum of Townsville celebrates 40 years

Townsville’s rich maritime history is being recognised as the Maritime Museum of Townsville marks 40 years of operations.

The organisation started from humble beginnings in 1986 from its original base on the upper level of the former Port Pier Master’s office.

Following the donation and loan of many maritime artefacts and items, the museum outgrew this location, moving to its current Palmer Street location in 1992.

Maritime Museum of Townsville managing curator Robert de Jong said a recent and important highlight in the museum’s history was seeing the Fremantle class patrol boat HMAS Townsville permanently dry-docked just a short distance from the museum on Ross Street, South Townsville.

The vessel was donated to the museum in 2007 by the Department of Defence.

“Whereas until now we as a museum collected, preserved and interpreted maritime history and heritage (and we will be continuing this) we also would like to become more involved in conserving our local marine environment and promote safety at sea,” Mr De Jong said. 

Port of Townsville Chief Executive Officer Ranee Crosby said it was wonderful to be acknowledging this important milestone in Townsville’s maritime history.

"Every town has a story. Townsville's story has always been connected to the water. We congratulate the Maritime Museum, which has spent four decades collecting and preserving the moments, memories and milestones that define our maritime identity," Ms Crosby said.

“We thank the countless people - founders, curators, volunteers, business leaders, supporters, donors, board members and community champions - who have generously contributed their time, expertise and passion to preserve Townsville's maritime story for the benefit of generations to come.”

Key facts about the Maritime Museum of Townsville

• The Maritime Museum of Townsville was established in 1986 by the former Townsville Harbour Board Chief Executive Officer Richard Kenny and the Seafarers’ Association of Townsville.
• The museum was first located within the Port on the upper level of the former Pier Master’s office.
• This building was relocated to its current location on Palmer Street in 1992 due to the large number of artefacts and maritime items that were on display and in later years more buildings were added to the museum.
• The Museum holds about 19,000 artefacts, books and photos and a fleet of ten historic watercraft.
• Apart from the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane, the Maritime Museum of Townsville is the second oldest maritime museum in the State and one of the State’s three primary maritime museums.

Museum displays

• Battle of the Coral Sea, World War II, May 1942
• Port of Townsville history
• The Yongala shipwreck, 1911
• Model ships
• Bay Rock Lighthouse

 A celebratory event was held at the museum on Palmer Street last month.

The Maritime Museum of Townsville is open to the public Mondays to Saturdays from 9am-1.30pm for a small fee.